I had the Alfa 147's complete rear suspension replaced last year (dampers - links - wishbones - arms). I noticed pumping from the suspension as well as some seemingly left-right drifting. I drive the car for a while like this to try and feel what it was (I don't like going to a garage and telling them a problem and ask them to diagnose and sort out - I rather tell them "replace this" it keeps you from being disappointed). Result: the entire car felt like new: no more pumping. Asked to see the parts they replaced and noticed most bushes were starting to wear (read: completely worn on some places) and some links would have had play (wear marks).
Why I went to replace EVERYTHING? Well... just because you know 2 months later something else will break in that region and you'll need work again. Better to get the parts in one go and replace it all while you're at it.
Next year I'll be doing the front.